The storm left thousands of homes across north Wales without power, especially around the coast.

North Wales Police have advised people not to travel unless they have to.

The A55 was closed in both directions after a lorry overturned on the Britannia Bridge.

The incident came despite police telling HGV vehicles not to use the bridge, and imposing a 30 mph speed limit.

A driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following the incident, said police.

Ch Insp Darren Wareing, who is managing the multi agency response in north Wales, said: "The weather is still atrocious and slowly moving across the force area in an easterly direction.

"Our message remains the same to stay indoors wherever possible as roads are becoming impassable in coastal areas and inland due to falling trees and debris including roofing.

"Please don't travel unless it is absolutely necessary."

The winds led to dozens of schools closing across north Wales.

Some ferry services were cancelled at Holyhead because of the winds in the Irish Sea.

Arriva Trains Wales services from Bangor to Holyhead were also cancelled.

Image copyright@gerallttvImage caption
An overturned lorry has led to the A55 Britannia Bridge being closed

ScottishPower said weather-related incidents had increased during Wednesday afternoon, with the winds damaging power lines.

"The biggest issue affecting the electricity network has been uprooted trees and other debris blown on to overhead power lines, which has caused damage and brought down the power lines in some areas," said a spokesperson.

"Storm-force winds are predicted to remain for most of the evening, causing hazardous working conditions and hampering the recovery operation.

"ScottishPower has cancelled all planned maintenance work, and has drafted in extra engineers and contractors in order to help with the emergency response.

"However, a number of roads and bridges have been blocked and closed by fallen trees, which could restrict access in certain locations, and where wind speeds remain high engineers will not be able to climb poles and work at height."

Falling trees have led to a number of roads being closed in Gwynedd and Anglesey, including the A5 at Bethesda near the Ogwen Bank caravan park.

Segontium Road in Caernarfon was also shut, and High Street in Pwllheli was closed because of slates falling from roofs.

Have you got any photographs of how the stormy weather is affecting your area? Please send them in via email to newsonline.wales@bbc.co.uk.